How to Support a Chandelier

Written by katherine harder

Share

Tweet

Share

Pin

Email

Use a fan brace to support a heavy chandelier. (Chandelier image by TekinT from Fotolia.com)

Since most chandeliers are on the heavy side, they often need more than just the strength of its decorative chain and the ceiling to support it; even the electrical box won't support your chandelier if it weighs more than 22.7 Kilogram. Falling chandeliers not only present a clear hazard to you, your family and your guests, but also end up broken into pieces, a distressing state of affairs for such an expensive lighting element. Protect your ceiling, your chandelier and, most importantly, yourself and your guests by properly supporting your heavy chandelier.

Skill level:

Easy

Other People Are Reading

Things you need

Flat bar or screwdriver

Chandelier

Fan brace

Adjustable wrench

Show MoreHide

Instructions

1

Remove the electrical box from the hole in the ceiling from which you'll hang the chandelier. Pry the electrical box from the hole with a flat bar, if it's nailed in place; otherwise, unscrew its screws with your screwdriver.

2

Turn the fan brace's hexagon-shaped bar to shorten it; keep turning it until it's reached the shortest length possible. Insert it into the ceiling hole one side at a time. Rest the fan brace's feet on the unseen side of the ceiling and centre it over the hole.

3

Turn the brace again. This time, it'll expand until it digs its prongs into the joists on either side of it. Once you can no longer turn the brace by hand, use an adjustable wrench.

4

Install the electrical box that was included with the fan brace according to the manufacturer's instructions to complete your chandelier installation.

Tips and warnings

Avoid over-tightening the brace, which will put tension on the joists.